Hello and welcome to Friday.It’s almost Memorial Day. Do you know where Florida’s budget is?And do you know where the state’s legislative leaders are?Normally by this time of the year, the new state budget would have been pushed out by the Legislature, and legislators and lobbyists would be waiting for the governor’s line-item budget vetoes. Gov. RON DESANTIS, during a bill signing this week, joked that “maybe even one day the Legislature will produce a budget. We’ll see. Hope springs eternal.”But here we are instead. Republican legislative leaders remain at odds over spending and tax cuts, and until they can reach a deal on top-line spending levels, they will not start working on the finer details. There could be an update as soon as Friday on whether legislators will meet next week — but prospects that anything will happen in the final week of May aren’t looking good.The inaction moves Florida ever so closer to a potential shutdown of state government on July 1 when a new budget is supposed to be in place. The state House and Senate don’t even have an agreement on when they will wrap up their work. The session will end on June 6 unless the Senate concurs with a House proposal to keep going until June 30.The main job of the Legislature is to pass a budget each year. The House and Senate initially pushed out starkly different spending plans that had a $4.4 billion spending gap, as the House proposed a massive $5 billion permanent reduction in the state’s sales taxes.The session was supposed to end in early May, but lawmakers were forced to extend it beyond the normal 60 days due to their budget disagreement. On what was supposed to be the final day of the session, Senate President BEN ALBRITTON and House Speaker DANIEL PEREZ said they had agreed to slash taxes by $2.8 billion, including a permanent reduction in the state sales tax rate.But that deal blew up after DeSantis threatened to veto the sales tax plan, saying it would undermine efforts to cut property taxes the governor has been championing. Albritton last week also stated in a memo that many senators were also concerned about the impacts of such a large cut. Perez reacted harshly, accusing Albritton of breaking his promise.While the closed-door negotiations are still underway and offers are still being exchanged, legislative leaders are nowhere near Tallahassee.Albritton traveled to Las Vegas this week to hold a fundraiser. Senate and House rules prohibit legislators from soliciting or collecting money while they are in session — an attempt to avoid any suggestion of trading legislative votes for campaign contributions. The House ban also applies to special sessions and extended sessions, but the Senate has a provision that allows for previously scheduled fundraisers to go ahead.AMANDA BEVIS, a spokesperson for Albritton’s political activities, said in a statement that “with modern technology, previously planned travel does not prevent the Senate President from remaining actively engaged in budget negotiations.”Bevis added Albritton’s “number one priority” is working with DeSantis and the House to “build consensus on a balanced budget that fulfills constitutional obligations, funds our state priorities and provides meaningful tax relief to Florida families.”Perez, meanwhile, is on a personal holiday trip to the Dominican Republic with his wife and family.— WHERE’S RON? — Gov. DeSantis will be in Kissimmee to give remarks at the Florida Parent Educators Association annual homeschool convention.Programming note: We’ll be off on Monday, back in your inboxes on Tuesday.Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget that Playbook should look at? Get in touch at:.
LATEST ON BALLOT INITIATIVES LAWSUIT — “The fate of a new set of restrictions for Florida ballot initiatives is now in the hands of a federal court judge after a Thursday hearing about a preliminary injunction request,” reports POLITICO’s Arek Sarkissian. “A campaign to put Medicaid expansion before voters in next year’s election has sued Secretary of State Cord Byrd over a newly signed law tightening controls for gathering thousands of voter petitions.”PARKS BILL SIGNED AMID OUTRAGE OVER DROPPED LAND SWAP — “Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed a Florida parks bill passed in response to his administration’s proposal last year to build golf courses and lodges in state parks,” reports POLITICO’s Bruce Ritchie. “But some environmentalists now say the law should be expanded to include other state conservation properties and address state land swaps after a recent proposal again generated bipartisan opposition.”SOCIAL MEDIA LAWSUIT GOES ON — “A federal judge has denied Florida’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit against a 2021 law punishing social media platforms for alleged censorship of conservatives,” reports Jackie Llanos of the Florida Phoenix. “U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle of the Northern District of Florida issued an order Thursday denying the state’s motions to toss the suit brought by two trade associations representing social media giants and to compel those companies to turn over information about their internal policies.”WHAT’S GOING ON INSIDE? — A downtown Tallahassee hotel that is closed to the public has become an exclusive retreat for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ closest allies and top advisers, reports Ana Ceballos, Alexandria Glorioso and Lawrence Mower of the Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times.HARDING’S REQUEST — Former state Rep. JOSEPH HARDING asked a federal judge to end his two-year probation early, reports Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics. He said “the probation is limiting professional opportunities” and his probation officer backed his request given Harding’s “lack of a prior criminal record.” Harding was imprisoned after prosecutors indicted him for “wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements after facing charges related to obtaining COVID relief funds.”— “Unfinished state budget makes it hard for Florida public schools to plan,”by Central Florida Public Media’s Danielle Prieur.— “Owners of ‘dangerous’ dogs will need $100,000 liability insurance under newly signed law,”by Florida Phoenix’s Jackie Llanos.
ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER — President Donald Trump salvaged votes for his “big beautiful bill” by reversing a plan to extend an oil export license for Chevron in Venezuela, reports Axios’ Marc Caputo. Three Miami Republicans who are critics of the regime of Nicolas Maduro were “blindsided” when it was announced a day earlier that Chevron’s license would be extended 60 days. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, announced late Wednesday that the license would expire as scheduled.RUBIO’S LOSS — “Mauricio Claver-Carone, the Cuba and Venezuela hardliner tapped as special envoy for Latin America, will leave his position by the end of May, leaving Secretary of State Marco Rubio with some policy wins but without an important ally to navigate the Trump administration,” reports Nora Gámez Torres of the Miami Herald.— “Florida Republicans & Democrats give initial spin after U.S. House passes Trump tax bill,”by the Florida Phoenix’s Mitch Perry.— “Moskowitz, expert in disaster management, warns FEMA ‘is going to fail’ during hurricane season,”by The South Florida Sun Sentinel’s Anthony Man.— “Randy Fine suggests atomic bombs for Gaza after killings in D.C.,”by the Orlando Sentinel’s Steven Lemongello.
PUSHING BACK — Trustees at the University of Florida are defending Santa Ono, the lone finalist for the post of president at the University of Florida, reports Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics. Ono is angering some conservatives, but trustees sent out an email on Thursday designed to rebut criticism that Ono is too liberal to lead the school.DEPORTATIONS HAPPENING FASTER — “Between fiscal years 2019 and 2023, under both the Trump and Biden administrations, the U.S. deported a total of 3,256 Venezuelans — averaging just 651 per year — according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s 2024 annual report, which ranked Venezuela among the top 10 countries of origin for deportees,” reports Verónica Egui Brito of The Miami Herald. “In stark contrast, nearly the same number — 3,078 Venezuelans — have been deported in just the past four months alone.”— “FIU police chief pledges no racial profiling under pending deal to help ICE,”by The Miami Herald’s Clara-Sophia Daly.— “Florida’s pandemic housing boom is over. Are we headed toward a crash?”by the Tampa Bay Times’ Rebecca Liebson.— “Nearly half of Pinellas, Hillsborough households can’t afford basic expenses,”by Axios’ Kathryn Varn.— “New College alumni threaten to sue for clarity on donations,”by the Tampa Bay Times’ Ian Hodgson.
GEAR UP FOR ACTIVE HURRICANE SEASON — “Federal forecasters on Thursday predicted the United States would most likely experience an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season that could yield up to 19 named storms and five major hurricanes,” reports POLITICO’s Zack Colman.“The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration projected a 60 percent chance of exceeding the average 14 named storms for the season that runs June 1 through Nov. 30. NOAA officials said reduced trade winds and higher ocean temperatures that provide more fuel for cyclones will boost the likelihood of storms this season. Climate change also has contributed to heavier rainfall events that make hurricanes more destructive, National Weather Service Director Ken Graham said.”
‘A HORRIBLE MESSAGE’ — The Democratic National Committee is going to vote via electronic ballot on whether to redo the election of two vice chair positions, including a post now held by David Hogg, reports POLITICO’s Elena Schneider. Hogg, a gun safety activist from Florida, has ignited controversy with his pledge to challenge “asleep at the wheel” Democrats. He said a move to redo this election “truly just sends a horrible message.”‘WORSE THAN WATERGATE’ — Gubernatorial candidate Rep. BYRON DONALDS (R-Fla.) called for investigations into former President JOE BIDEN and his administration during an appearance on “Varney & Co.,” reports A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics. “If Joe Biden could not execute the duties of his office, then why are we living under a lot of the decisions … made by the Biden White House? So there’s a lot of investigations that need to occur on this matter,” Donalds said. “This is a major scandal, in my view, the biggest one in presidential history. We can now put Watergate to bed because the autopen is now in front of us.”— “Byron Donalds says he supports repealing Florida’s red-flag law,”by Florida Phoenix’s Mitch Perry.DAVEY SLAMS SALAZAR’S VOTE FOR ‘BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL’ — MIKE DAVEY, a Democratic candidate running for Rep. MARÍA ELVIRA SALAZAR’s (R-Fla.) seat in Congress, blasted her for supporting Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” after it passed with one vote, calling her vote “a slap in the face to every working family in our District who is struggling with rising costs and a rigged economy, and facing the consequences from Trump’s reckless tariffs.”“While corporations and the wealthy receive handouts, vital services for hardworking families will be decimated, and their tax burdens will skyrocket,” he continued. “This is not a plan for economic growth; it’s a recipe for disaster for our District.”— “Political dynasties battle behind the scenes in Miami special election,”by The Miami Herald’s Tess Riski.
BIRTHDAYS: State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez … Alvin Malnik, American businessman and attorney … Deputy Communications Director with Progress Florida Cheyenne Drews … (Saturday) POLITICO Florida’s Isa Domínguez … Rob Johnson with the Mayernick Group … (Monday) Former Rep. Rich Nugent … Law professor Ben Cavataro.
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LATEST ON BALLOT INITIATIVES LAWSUIT — “The fate of a new set of restrictions for Florida ballot initiatives is now in the hands of a federal court judge after a Thursday hearing about a preliminary injunction request,” reports POLITICO’s Arek Sarkissian. “A campaign to put Medicaid expansion before voters in next year’s election has sued Secretary of State Cord Byrd over a newly signed law tightening controls for gathering thousands of voter petitions.”PARKS BILL SIGNED AMID OUTRAGE OVER DROPPED LAND SWAP — “Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed a Florida parks bill passed in response to his administration’s proposal last year to build golf courses and lodges in state parks,” reports POLITICO’s Bruce Ritchie. “But some environmentalists now say the law should be expanded to include other state conservation properties and address state land swaps after a recent proposal again generated bipartisan opposition.”SOCIAL MEDIA LAWSUIT GOES ON — “A federal judge has denied Florida’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit against a 2021 law punishing social media platforms for alleged censorship of conservatives,” reports Jackie Llanos of the Florida Phoenix. “U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle of the Northern District of Florida issued an order Thursday denying the state’s motions to toss the suit brought by two trade associations representing social media giants and to compel those companies to turn over information about their internal policies.”WHAT’S GOING ON INSIDE? — A downtown Tallahassee hotel that is closed to the public has become an exclusive retreat for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ closest allies and top advisers, reports Ana Ceballos, Alexandria Glorioso and Lawrence Mower of the Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times.HARDING’S REQUEST — Former state Rep. JOSEPH HARDING asked a federal judge to end his two-year probation early, reports Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics. He said “the probation is limiting professional opportunities” and his probation officer backed his request given Harding’s “lack of a prior criminal record.” Harding was imprisoned after prosecutors indicted him for “wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements after facing charges related to obtaining COVID relief funds.”— “Unfinished state budget makes it hard for Florida public schools to plan,”by Central Florida Public Media’s Danielle Prieur.— “Owners of ‘dangerous’ dogs will need $100,000 liability insurance under newly signed law,”by Florida Phoenix’s Jackie Llanos.
ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER — President Donald Trump salvaged votes for his “big beautiful bill” by reversing a plan to extend an oil export license for Chevron in Venezuela, reports Axios’ Marc Caputo. Three Miami Republicans who are critics of the regime of Nicolas Maduro were “blindsided” when it was announced a day earlier that Chevron’s license would be extended 60 days. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, announced late Wednesday that the license would expire as scheduled.RUBIO’S LOSS — “Mauricio Claver-Carone, the Cuba and Venezuela hardliner tapped as special envoy for Latin America, will leave his position by the end of May, leaving Secretary of State Marco Rubio with some policy wins but without an important ally to navigate the Trump administration,” reports Nora Gámez Torres of the Miami Herald.— “Florida Republicans & Democrats give initial spin after U.S. House passes Trump tax bill,”by the Florida Phoenix’s Mitch Perry.— “Moskowitz, expert in disaster management, warns FEMA ‘is going to fail’ during hurricane season,”by The South Florida Sun Sentinel’s Anthony Man.— “Randy Fine suggests atomic bombs for Gaza after killings in D.C.,”by the Orlando Sentinel’s Steven Lemongello.
PUSHING BACK — Trustees at the University of Florida are defending Santa Ono, the lone finalist for the post of president at the University of Florida, reports Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics. Ono is angering some conservatives, but trustees sent out an email on Thursday designed to rebut criticism that Ono is too liberal to lead the school.DEPORTATIONS HAPPENING FASTER — “Between fiscal years 2019 and 2023, under both the Trump and Biden administrations, the U.S. deported a total of 3,256 Venezuelans — averaging just 651 per year — according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s 2024 annual report, which ranked Venezuela among the top 10 countries of origin for deportees,” reports Verónica Egui Brito of The Miami Herald. “In stark contrast, nearly the same number — 3,078 Venezuelans — have been deported in just the past four months alone.”— “FIU police chief pledges no racial profiling under pending deal to help ICE,”by The Miami Herald’s Clara-Sophia Daly.— “Florida’s pandemic housing boom is over. Are we headed toward a crash?”by the Tampa Bay Times’ Rebecca Liebson.— “Nearly half of Pinellas, Hillsborough households can’t afford basic expenses,”by Axios’ Kathryn Varn.— “New College alumni threaten to sue for clarity on donations,”by the Tampa Bay Times’ Ian Hodgson.
GEAR UP FOR ACTIVE HURRICANE SEASON — “Federal forecasters on Thursday predicted the United States would most likely experience an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season that could yield up to 19 named storms and five major hurricanes,” reports POLITICO’s Zack Colman.“The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration projected a 60 percent chance of exceeding the average 14 named storms for the season that runs June 1 through Nov. 30. NOAA officials said reduced trade winds and higher ocean temperatures that provide more fuel for cyclones will boost the likelihood of storms this season. Climate change also has contributed to heavier rainfall events that make hurricanes more destructive, National Weather Service Director Ken Graham said.”
‘A HORRIBLE MESSAGE’ — The Democratic National Committee is going to vote via electronic ballot on whether to redo the election of two vice chair positions, including a post now held by David Hogg, reports POLITICO’s Elena Schneider. Hogg, a gun safety activist from Florida, has ignited controversy with his pledge to challenge “asleep at the wheel” Democrats. He said a move to redo this election “truly just sends a horrible message.”‘WORSE THAN WATERGATE’ — Gubernatorial candidate Rep. BYRON DONALDS (R-Fla.) called for investigations into former President JOE BIDEN and his administration during an appearance on “Varney & Co.,” reports A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics. “If Joe Biden could not execute the duties of his office, then why are we living under a lot of the decisions … made by the Biden White House? So there’s a lot of investigations that need to occur on this matter,” Donalds said. “This is a major scandal, in my view, the biggest one in presidential history. We can now put Watergate to bed because the autopen is now in front of us.”— “Byron Donalds says he supports repealing Florida’s red-flag law,”by Florida Phoenix’s Mitch Perry.DAVEY SLAMS SALAZAR’S VOTE FOR ‘BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL’ — MIKE DAVEY, a Democratic candidate running for Rep. MARÍA ELVIRA SALAZAR’s (R-Fla.) seat in Congress, blasted her for supporting Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” after it passed with one vote, calling her vote “a slap in the face to every working family in our District who is struggling with rising costs and a rigged economy, and facing the consequences from Trump’s reckless tariffs.”“While corporations and the wealthy receive handouts, vital services for hardworking families will be decimated, and their tax burdens will skyrocket,” he continued. “This is not a plan for economic growth; it’s a recipe for disaster for our District.”— “Political dynasties battle behind the scenes in Miami special election,”by The Miami Herald’s Tess Riski.
BIRTHDAYS: State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez … Alvin Malnik, American businessman and attorney … Deputy Communications Director with Progress Florida Cheyenne Drews … (Saturday) POLITICO Florida’s Isa Domínguez … Rob Johnson with the Mayernick Group … (Monday) Former Rep. Rich Nugent … Law professor Ben Cavataro.
